countyscore
56.7
County Score
Safety 92.9Cost of Living 78.5Weather & Climate 66.9

County Report Card

About Tippah County, Mississippi

Leading the National Median

Tippah County performs well with a composite score of 56.7, exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in a favorable position relative to the rest of the country.

Top-Tier Rankings in Mississippi

A score of 56.7 comfortably beats the Mississippi average of 48.4. Tippah County stands out as one of the state's stronger performers for overall livability.

Superior Safety and Affordability

Safety is the county's crowning achievement with a score of 92.9. This is paired with excellent affordability, marked by a cost score of 78.5 and a median monthly rent of $720.

Health Access and Income Barriers

The county faces challenges in health (14.4) and income (16.9). Despite low costs, the median household income of $51,141 suggests limited economic growth for some residents.

Excellent for Secure Family Life

Tippah County is perfect for families prioritizing safety and a quiet lifestyle. It offers high value and peace of mind, provided residents have stable employment to navigate the lower income landscape.

Score breakdown

Tax57.7Cost78.5Safety92.9Health14.4Schools31.8Income16.9Risk56.2Water59Weather66.9
🏛57.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓31.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Alcorn County
Mississippi
43.8
Benton County
Mississippi
57.3
Prentiss County
Mississippi
43.6
Union County
Mississippi
45.1
Hardeman County
Tennessee
40.7
McNairy County
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54.6
Lee County
Mississippi
33.6
Marshall County
Mississippi
45.3

Deep Dives

Tippah County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Tippah County

via TaxByCounty

Tippah County's taxes slightly exceed U.S. median

Tippah County's 0.750% effective rate sits just below the national median of 0.88%, placing it roughly at the 45th percentile nationally. The $963 median tax is about one-third the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values and a more modest tax rate.

Just above Mississippi's state average

Tippah County's 0.750% rate slightly exceeds Mississippi's 0.743% state average, and the $963 median tax exceeds the state median of $931 by 3%. This places Tippah in the upper-middle tier of Mississippi's 82 counties.

Moderate taxes in regional context

Tippah County falls between lower-taxed counties like Smith (0.457%) and Tallahatchie (0.602%) and higher-taxed peers like Sunflower (0.879%) and Tate (0.768%). The $963 median tax reflects homes valued about 12% above state median.

What $963 costs yearly in Tippah

On the median home valued at $128,400, Tippah County homeowners pay approximately $963 annually—about $80 monthly. With mortgage charges included, the total typically reaches $993 per year.

Check your assessment accuracy

Tippah County homeowners should verify their assessed values reflect current market conditions, particularly if their homes were last valued several years ago. A successful appeal can reduce your already-moderate tax burden by 5 to 15%.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tippah County

via CostByCounty

Tippah County rents stay firmly affordable nationally

Tippah County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio aligns with American affordability standards, while the $51,141 median household income remains below the national $74,755 median. A $720 monthly rent represents a reasonable housing cost, even for moderate earners in this rural county.

Solid affordability against Mississippi averages

Tippah County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Mississippi's 19.6% state average, placing it among the state's more affordable rental markets. At $720 per month, median rent falls between the state average of $782 and lower-priced rural counties, offering balance between cost and availability.

Mid-range pricing in the north-central region

Tippah County's $720 rent sits between Smith County's $664 and Stone County's $839, positioning it as a moderate-cost option in the region. Homeownership at $667 monthly cost remains competitive, with median values of $128,400 offering reasonable entry points for buyers.

Balanced housing costs across income distribution

Tippah County renters spend 16.9% of their $51,141 median income on rent, retaining $3,591 monthly for other expenses after housing. Homeowners allocate $667 monthly, or 15.6% of household income, keeping both rental and owner-occupied housing within sustainable ranges.

Reliable affordability for moderate-income relocations

Tippah County offers dependable housing affordability with $720 rents and sub-$130,000 median home values for a $51,000 median income baseline. If you're relocating on a modest budget and value stability over growth potential, Tippah's balanced pricing deserves serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tippah County

via IncomeByCounty

Tippah County trails national income

Tippah County's median household income of $51,141 falls $23,614 below the national median of $74,755, reflecting rural economic constraints typical of northern Mississippi. However, Tippah performs above several neighboring states' averages, indicating regional stability.

Tippah holds solid state standing

Tippah County ranks above the Mississippi state average of $48,514 by $2,627, placing it slightly ahead of the middle of Mississippi's income distribution. This positions Tippah among the state's more stable counties economically.

Tippah competitive with regional peers

Tippah County's $51,141 income mirrors Smith County ($51,396) closely and outpaces struggling Sunflower ($40,265) and Tallahatchie ($37,383) counties. Tate County ($63,995) and Stone County ($59,307) remain wealthier, but Tippah holds respectable ground regionally.

Housing costs well-managed

Tippah County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% falls safely below the 30% affordability threshold, giving households breathing room in rental or mortgage budgets. The median home value of $128,400 aligns well with local incomes, supporting accessible homeownership.

Build wealth through steady planning

Tippah County residents should leverage employer retirement benefits and explore tax-deferred savings vehicles to complement moderate household incomes. Regular contributions to emergency funds and modest investment accounts compound over time to build substantial family wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tippah County

via CrimeByCounty

Tippah County: Among the Nation's Safest

Tippah County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 96.5 per 100,000 is a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Top-Tier Safety in Mississippi

Tippah County's safety score of 99.8 easily beats the state average of 98.4. Its total crime rate is over ten times lower than the Mississippi state average of 978.4.

Leading the Region in Security

Tippah County is much safer than neighboring Tishomingo County, which has a crime rate of 1,056.5. Three reporting agencies confirm Tippah is one of the safest jurisdictions in the state.

Unusually Low Crime Across the Board

Violent crime is almost non-existent at a rate of 9.2 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also incredibly low at 87.3, compared to the national average of 2,015.7.

Vigilance in an Elite Safe Zone

While Tippah County is remarkably safe, residents should still practice basic security awareness. Maintaining this 99.8 safety score requires continued community engagement and reporting of minor incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Tippah County

via HealthByCounty

Tippah County's life expectancy trails U.S. average

Tippah County's 71.5-year life expectancy falls roughly 4.9 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years, reflecting Mississippi's statewide health disadvantage. The county's 23.9% poor or fair health rate significantly exceeds the national average of about 15%, indicating substantial chronic disease burden.

Tippah County exceeds state average life expectancy

At 71.5 years, Tippah County's life expectancy ranks above Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years, placing it among the healthier counties in the state. However, its 23.9% poor or fair health rate remains notably elevated compared to healthier regions nationally.

Outstanding mental health, limited primary care

Tippah County's 132 mental health providers per 100,000 residents dramatically exceed all peer counties—nearly triple the next closest—yet its 9 primary care providers per 100,000 rank second-lowest overall. This extreme specialization toward behavioral health may reflect local needs or provider distribution patterns that leave primary care gaps.

Highest uninsured rate limits access despite provider density

Tippah County's 16.9% uninsured rate ranks highest among all eight counties—nearly 1 in 6 residents lack health coverage—making access to even its abundant mental health providers challenging. The contrast between exceptional mental health capacity (132 per 100,000) and minimal primary care (9 per 100,000) means most residents travel far for routine preventive care.

Reduce uninsured rate, unlock mental health access

With Tippah County's 16.9% uninsured rate—the highest in this group—getting covered is critical to accessing the county's exceptional mental health resources. Visit Healthcare.gov or call the Mississippi Division of Medicaid at 1-888-615-1899 to explore low-cost options and close the coverage gap.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Tippah County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad Academic Coverage for Tippah Students

Tippah County serves 3,771 students through nine public schools spread across two districts. The system is unique for its four 'other' category schools that often combine multiple grade levels to serve rural populations efficiently.

Strong Graduation Rates and Competitive Scores

Tippah County boasts a 90.3% graduation rate, surpassing both the Mississippi average of 87.1% and the national benchmark. The composite school score of 51.0 also exceeds the state average, despite per-pupil spending sitting at $5,756.

Divided Between North and South Districts

The South Tippah School District is the larger entity, overseeing six schools and 2,485 students. North Tippah School District manages the remaining three schools and 1,286 students, with no charter schools operating in the county.

Mid-Sized Schools with a Rural Heart

Six of the county's nine schools are in rural locales, with an average enrollment of 471 students per campus. Pine Grove High School is the largest with 650 students, providing a comprehensive PK-12 experience for its community.

Settle Down in a Top-Performing County

With graduation rates exceeding state and national averages, Tippah County is a smart choice for education-minded homebuyers. Look for homes in the North or South districts to find the right fit for your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tippah County

via RiskByCounty

Tippah County below national risk average

Tippah County's composite risk score of 43.80 earns a Relatively Low rating while remaining below the national average. The county's tornado (78.56) and earthquake (86.61) risks are elevated, but overall exposure stays manageable.

Tippah County below Mississippi state average

At 43.80, Tippah County falls below Mississippi's state average of 50.94, placing it in the safer half of Mississippi's county landscape. This favorable positioning reflects moderate exposure across multiple hazard types without extreme concentration.

Tippah County in mid-risk regional band

Tippah County's 43.80 score sits between safer Tate County (41.22) and similar-risk Tishomingo County (37.09), placing it in a relatively secure regional cluster. All three counties remain well below riskier inland areas like Sunflower County.

Tornadoes and earthquakes pose greatest threats

Tippah County residents face significant tornado risk (78.56) and substantial earthquake exposure (86.61), the county's dominant hazards. Wildfire (51.05) and hurricane (59.20) risks are moderate, while flood risk remains low (25.99).

Wind and earthquake insurance recommended

Homeowners should prioritize comprehensive wind and tornado coverage given the 78.56 tornado risk, plus earthquake insurance for the 86.61 seismic exposure. Standard homeowner policies typically cover wind; earthquake coverage requires a separate rider.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tippah County

via WeatherByCounty

The cooler side of Mississippi

Tippah County's average temperature of 59.8°F is one of the closest in the state to the national median. While still subtropical, its northern location provides a more temperate environment than the Gulf Coast.

Significantly cooler than state norms

Tippah County is roughly four degrees cooler than the Mississippi state average of 63.9°F. This makes it one of the coolest counties in the state, offering a break from the intense southern heat.

Cooler than western neighbors

At 59.8°F, Tippah is cooler than Tate County's 61.0°F average. The hilly terrain in this part of the state contributes to these lower temperatures compared to the flat Delta plains.

Coldest winters in the state

Tippah County sees the most snow in this group at 1.6 inches per year and has a chilly winter average of 41.2°F. It only faces 48 days of extreme heat, about half as many as Sharkey County.

Prepare for freezing temperatures

Insulating pipes and preparing for frost is necessary here, as winter averages 41.2°F with occasional snow. Summer is milder than elsewhere in the state, but 57.6 inches of rain still requires solid wet-weather gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tippah County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profile in North Mississippi

Tippah County's soil profile is acidic with a pH of 5.15, falling below the state average of 5.30. This reflects the region's typical chemistry, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Silty Mix with Sand Support

Silt is the dominant player here at 53.6%, balanced by 31.8% sand and 14.6% clay. This mix provides a good balance between drainage and moisture retention for various residential and agricultural land uses.

Solid Water Retention Capacity

The county reports an available water capacity of 0.189 in/in, beating the state average of 0.174. However, organic matter remains low at 1.39%, trailing the national average of 2.0% by a significant margin.

Effective Rain Catchment

The silty texture suggests the soil captures and holds rainfall effectively for local crops. Without specific hydrologic data, the 53.6% silt content remains the best indicator of moderate permeability for the area.

Cooler Winters in Zone 7b

Being in zone 7b, Tippah County experiences slightly cooler winters than southern Mississippi, perfect for cool-season greens. Gardeners should supplement the soil with organic compost to boost the low 1.39% organic matter level.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tippah County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in Tippah County

With a difficulty score of 35.8, Tippah County is one of the more lawn-friendly areas in Mississippi. Situated in Hardiness Zone 7b, the cooler temperatures and moderate heat make it easier to maintain turf than in the scorching southern counties.

Cooler Summers and Steady Water

Tippah County sees only 48 extreme heat days per year, far fewer than the state average of 73. This cooler profile, combined with 57.6 inches of rain and 4,780 growing degree days, allows for a less stressful growing environment for both grass and gardener.

Managing Sandy and Acidic Soil

A soil pH of 5.15 is significantly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, requiring regular lime applications to neutralize acidity. The ground contains 31.8% sand and 14.6% clay, providing decent drainage but needing organic matter to hold onto moisture during dry periods.

Moderate Drought Resistance

While 91.6% of the county is currently abnormally dry, it has only faced 19 weeks of drought in the last year. This is relatively low for the state, but homeowners should still implement water-saving techniques like morning-only irrigation.

Transition Zone Opportunity

In Zone 7b, you can successfully grow tall fescue as a cool-season option or heat-tolerant Bermudagrass for the summer. Aim to plant after the last frost on April 3 and prepare for the dormant season by late October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tippah County's county score?
Tippah County, Mississippi has a composite county score of 56.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Tippah County rank among counties in Mississippi?
Tippah County ranks #18 among all counties in Mississippi on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Tippah County, Mississippi?
The median annual property tax in Tippah County is $963, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Tippah County a tax score of 57.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tippah County?
The median household income in Tippah County, Mississippi is $51,141 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tippah County earns an income score of 16.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tippah County, Mississippi a good place to live?
Tippah County scores 56.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Mississippi. The best way to evaluate Tippah County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Tippah County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.